Selective Recognition of Cobalt (II) Ion by a New Cryptand Compound with N2O2S2 Donor Atom Possessing 2-Hydroxy-1-Naphthylidene Schiff Base Moiety

A new cryptand compound carrying 2-hydroxy-1-naphthylidene Schiff base moiety (3) was designed and synthesized by reaction of the corresponding macrobicyclic amine compound (1) and 2-hydroxy-1-naphthaldehyde (2). The influence of metal cations such as Mg²⁺, Ca²⁺, Sr²⁺, Fe²⁺,Co²⁺, Mn²⁺, Zn²⁺, Cd²⁺, Hg²⁺, Al³⁺ and Pb²⁺ on the spectroscopic properties of the new fluoroionophore was investigated in acetonitrile-dichloromethane solution (9.5/0.5) by means of absorption and emission spectrometry. The blue shifts on the fluorescence spectrum were observed for all metal cations at 504nm. At the same time the fluorescence spectrum of the ligand showed quenching in the intensity of the signal at 504 nm for all metal cations except for Zn²⁺. Interaction of Co²⁺ with the ligand caused quenching of naphtyl fluorescence higher than 84%. The method showed good selectivity and sensitivity for Co²⁺ with respect to other metal cations with linear range and detection limit of 1.5 × 10⁻⁷ to 3.3 × 10⁻⁶M and 4.8 × 10⁻⁸M respectively.     

The Schiff Base Probe With J-aggregation Induced Emission for Selective Detection of Cu2+

Here, three Schiff bases 3a-c, differing by the substitutions (–H, –Cl, and –N(CH₃)₂) on the phenyl ring, have been designed and synthesized via the reaction of ortho-aminophenol with benzaldehyde, 2,4-dichlorobenzaldehyde and para-dimethylamine benzaldehyde in 1:1 molar ratio with favourable yields of 89–92%, respectively. Their structural characterizations were studied by FT-IR, NMR, MALDI-MS and elemental analysis. The fluorescence behaviours of compounds 3a and 3b exhibited a severe aggregation caused quenching (ACQ) effect in EtOH/water system. On the contrary, compound 3c had an obvious J-aggregation induced emission (AIE) feature in EtOH/water mixture (v/v?=?1:1), and exhibited excellent sensitivity and anti-interference towards Cu²⁺ with the limit of detection (LOD) of 1.35?×?10^–8 M. Job’s plot analysis and MS spectroscopic study revealed the 2:1 complexation of probe 3c and Cu²⁺. In addition, probe 3c was successfully applied to the determination of Cu²⁺ in real aqueous samples.

     

An NBD-based Sensitive and Selective Fluorescent Sensor for Copper(II) Ion

A new 7-nitrobenz-2-oxa-1,3-diazole (NBD) derived fluorescent probe (1) exhibiting high selectivity for Cu²⁺ detection, produced significant fluorescence quenching in the presence of Cu²⁺ ion, while the metal ions Ca²⁺, Cd²⁺, Co²⁺, Fe²⁺, Hg²⁺, Mg²⁺, Mn²⁺, Ni²⁺ and Zn²⁺ produced only minor changes in fluorescence. The apparent association constant (K _a) for Cu²⁺ binding in chemosensor 1 was found to be 1.22 × 10³ M⁻¹. The maximum fluorescence quenching activity caused by Cu²⁺ binding to 1 was observed over the pH range 6–10.     

A Novel Benzimidazole-Based Chemosensor for Fluorometric Determination of Zinc Ions

A simple and novel Schiff base chemosensor (BMHM) based on benzimidazole was synthesized. In ethanol–water (1:1, v/v) medium on varying concentrations of Zn²⁺ chemosensor exhibited a strong and quick turn on fluorescence response. The Zn²⁺ recognition was based on the Chelation–enhanced fluorescence effect. The binding constant and limit of detection for BMHM-Zn²⁺ complexation were estimated to be 7.99?×?104 M^?1 and 0.148 µM, respectively. The extreme fluorescent enhancement caused by Zn²⁺ binding in chemosensor BMHM occurred at a pH range of 6–7. The practical use of chemosensor BMHM was tested by determination of Zn²⁺ in real water samples and comparing the results with the data obtained using high resolution inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry.

     

Experimental and Theoretical Studies of the Pyrazoline Derivative 5-(4-methylphenyl)-3-(5-methylfuran-2-yl)-1-phenyl-4,5-dihydro-1H-Pyrazole and its Application for Selective Detection of Cd2+ ion as Fluorescent Sensor

A simple fluorescent chemosensor 5-(4-methylphenyl)-3-(5-methylfuran-2-yl)-1-phenyl-4, 5-dihydro-1H-pyrazole (PY) has been synthesized for the detection of Cd²⁺ ion.The fluorescent probe PY shows high selectivity for Cd²⁺in the presence of othermetal ions (Co²⁺, Cu²⁺, Hg²⁺, Mn²⁺, Zn²⁺, Fe³⁺, Pb²⁺, Ni²⁺, and Al³⁺). The fluorescence intensity of the PY has been strongly quenched with increasing concentration of Cd²⁺ (0–0.9 μM)via photoinduced electron transfer mechanism. The binding constant of Cd²⁺ to PY for the 1:1 complex isfound to be 5.3?×?10⁵ M^?1with a detection limit of 0.09 μM. The chemosensor was successfully applied for determination of Cd²⁺ in different water samples (tap, river, and bottled water) showing good recovery values in the range of 94.8–101.7% with RSD less than 3%. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations were also performed to investigate electronic and spectral characteristics which are quite agreeable with the experimental value. The results show that the synthesized fluorescent chemosensor shows good selectivity towards Cd²⁺ and can be readily applied for the detection of Cd²⁺ in real samples including water samples.

Graphical Abstract

     

A Pyrene-based Highly Selective Turn-on Fluorescent Sensor for Copper(II) Ion and its Application in Live Cell Imaging

A new pyrene derivative (chemosensor 1) containing a picolinohydrazide moiety exhibits high selectivity for Cu²⁺ ion detection in mixed aqueous media (CH₃OH:H₂O = 7:3). Significant fluorescence enhancement was observed with chemosensor 1 in the presence of Cu²⁺. However, the metal ions Ag⁺, Ca²⁺, Cd²⁺, Co²⁺, Cu²⁺, Fe²⁺, Fe³⁺, Hg²⁺, K⁺, Mg²⁺, Mn²⁺, Ni²⁺, Pb²⁺, and Zn²⁺ produced only minor changes in fluorescence for the system. The apparent association constant (K _a) of Cu²⁺ binding in chemosensor 1 was found to be 2.75*10³ M⁻¹. The maximum fluorescence enhancement caused by Cu²⁺ binding in chemosensor 1 was observed over the pH range 5–8. Moreover, by means of fluorescence microscopy experiments, it is demonstrated that 1 can be used as a fluorescent probe for detecting Cu²⁺ in living cells.     

A Highly Fluorescent Pyrene-Based Sensor for Selective Detection Of Fe3+ Ion in Aqueous Medium: Computational Investigations

In this work, we introduce a highly selective and sensitive fluorescent sensor based on pyrene derivative for Fe(III) ion sensing in DMSO/water media. 2-(pyrene-2-yl)-1-(pyrene-2-ylmethyl)-1H-benzo[d]imidazole (PEBD) receptor was synthesized via simple condensation reaction and confirmed by spectroscopic techniques. The receptor exhibits fluorescence quenching in the presence of Fe(III) ions at 440 nm. ESI–MS and Job’s method were used to confirm the 1:1 molar binding ratio of the receptor PEBD to Fe(III) ions. Using the Benesi-Hildebrand equation the binding constant value was determined as 8.485?×?10³ M^?1. Furthermore, the limit of detection (LOD, 3σ/K) value was found to be 1.81 µM in DMSO/water (95/5, v/v) media. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of the United States, it is lower than the acceptable value of Fe³⁺ in drinking water (0.3 mg/L). The presence of 14 other metal ions such Co²⁺, Cr³⁺, Cu²⁺, Fe²⁺, Hg²⁺, Pb²⁺, K⁺, Ni²⁺, Mg²⁺, Cd²⁺, Ca²⁺, Mn²⁺, Al³⁺, and Zn²⁺ did not interfere with the detection of Fe(III) ions. The fluorescence life-time of the receptor PEBD with and without Fe³⁺ ion was found to be 1.097?×?10^?9 s and 0.9202?×?10^?9 s respectively. Similarly, the quantum yield of the receptor PEBD with Fe³⁺ and without Fe³⁺ ion was calculated, and found as 0.05 and 0.25 respectively. Computational studies of the receptor PEBD were carried out with density functional theory (DFT) using B3LYP/ 6-311G (d, p), LANL2DZ level of theory.

Graphical Abstract

     

A Coumarin-Based Fluorescent Chemosensor for Zn<Superscript>2+</Superscript> in Aqueous Ethanol Media

A coumarin-based fluorescent chemosensor 1 for Zn²⁺ was designed and synthesized. Compound 1 exhibits lower background fluorescence due to intramolecular photoinduced electron transfer. However, upon mixing with Zn²⁺ in 30% (v/v) aqueous ethanol, a “turn-on” fluorescence emission is observed. The fluorescence emission increases linearly with Zn²⁺ concentration in the range 0.5–10 μmol L⁻¹ with a detection limit of 0.29 μmol L⁻¹. No remarkable emission enhancement was, however, observed for other metal ions. The proposed chemosensor was applied to the determination of Zn²⁺ in water samples with satisfactory results.     

Highly Sensitive ‘on–off’ Pyrene Based AIEgen for Selective Sensing of Copper (II) Ions in Aqueous Media

A Fluorescent chemosensor based on pyrene scaffold, 5-diethylamino-2-(pyren-1-yliminomethyl)-phenol (PDS) is synthesized using condensation method. It displays novel aggregation-induced emission (AIE) phenomena in its aggregated/solid state. The AIE characteristic of PDS is studied in CH₃CN/H₂O mixtures at different volume percentage of water and morphology of the aggregated particles are investigated by DLS and optical fluorescence microscopic study. The probe is aggregated into ordered one-dimensional (1-D) rod like microcrystals and exhibit high efficiency of solid-state emission with green colour. By taking advantage of its interesting AIE feature, the aggregated hydrosol has been utilized as ‘off–on’ type fluorescence switching chemosensor with superb selectivity and sensitivity towards Cu²⁺ions and the limit of detection (LOD) was calculated as low as 6.3 µM. A high Stern–Volmer quenching constant was estimated to be 2.88?×?10⁵ M^?1. The proposed chemosensor with AIE feature reveals a prospective view for the on-site visual recognition of Cu²⁺ ions in fluorescent paper strips and the synthesized probe is also exploited to find out the concentration of Cu²⁺ions in real water samples.

     

Investigation by Fluorescence Technique of the Quenching Effect of Co<Superscript>2+</Superscript> and Mn<Superscript>2+</Superscript> Transition Metals,on Naphthalene-Methyl-Beta-Cyclodextrin Host-Guest Inclusion Complex

Inclusion complex of naphthalene with methyl-beta-cyclodextrin in water has been formed. The aqueous solutions of the various amounts of Co²⁺ve Mn²⁺salts have been added to naphthalene-methyl-beta-cyclodextrin (NAP-Me-β-CD) inclusion complexes. Fluorescence properties of the naphthalene (NAP) compound have been utilized to observe the changes in fluorescence intensities. Stern-Volmer quenching constants and fluorescence quantum yields have been calculated. Characterization of the resulting complex by FT-IR and ¹H NMR technique has been determined. Fluorescence lifetime measurements have been made in the presence and absence of the quenching reagent and Gibbs free energy change has been calculated.     

Influence of Co(III) Polypyridyl Complexes on Luminescence Behavior,DNA Binding,Photocleavage, Antimicrobial Activity and Molecular Docking Studies

A new ligand FIPB?=?5-(1H-imidazo[4,5-f][1,10]phenanthrolin-2-yl)furan-2-yl-2-boronic acid, having three cobalt(III) polypyridyl complexes [Co(phen)₂(FIPB)]³⁺(1) {FIPB?=?5-(1H-imidazo[4,5-f][1,10]phenanthrolin-2-yl)furan-2-yl-2-boronic acid}, (phen?=?1,10-Phenanthroline), [Co(bpy)₂(FIPB)]³⁺(2) (bpy?=?2,2’bipyridyl), [Co(dmb)₂(FIPB)]³⁺(3) (dmb?=?4, 4′-dimethyl 2, 2′-bipyridine) have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, ES-MS,¹H-NMR, ¹³C-NMR, UV-Vis and FTIR. Their DNA binding behavior has been explored by various spectroscopic titrations and viscosity measurements, which indicated that all the complexes bind to calf thymus DNA by means of intercalation with different binding strengths. The binding properties of these all three complexes towards calf-thymus DNA (CT-DNA) have been investigated by UV-visible, emission spectroscopy and viscosity measurements.The experimental results suggested that three Co(III) complexes can intercalate into DNA base pairs,but with different binding affinities. Photo induced DNA cleavage studies have been performed and results indicate that three complexes efficiently cleave the pBR322-DNA in different forms. The three synthesized compounds were tested for antimicrobial activity by using Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis organisms, these results indicated that complex 1 was more activity compared to other two complexes against both tested microbial strains. The in vitro cytotoxicity of these complexes was evaluatedby MTT assay, and complex 1 shows higher cytotoxicity than complex 2 and 3 on HeLa cells.

     

A Novel Hg<Superscript>2+</Superscript> Selective Ratiometric Fluorescent Chemodosimeter Based on an Intramolecular FRET Mechanism

A irreversible Hg²⁺ selective ratiometric fluorescence probe FR, a fluorescein fluorophore linked to a rhodamine B hydrazide by a thiourea spacer, was designed and synthesized. The developed probe FR exhibited great ratiometric fluorescence enhancement and remarkable yellow-magenta color change toward Hg²⁺ with excellent selectivity in aqueous acetone solution, and the ratiometric fluorescence response to Hg²⁺ was not interfered by other metal cations including Fe³⁺, Co²⁺, Ni²⁺, Cr³⁺, Zn²⁺, Pb²⁺, Cd²⁺, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, Ba²⁺ and Mn²⁺. The linear range and the detection limit of this supposed ratiometric fluorescence method for Hg²⁺ were 0.0–10.0 × 10⁻⁶ and 5 × 10⁻⁸ M, respectively.     

Quinoline-Based “On-Off” Fluorescent Sensor for Acetate: Effect of Link Mode between Binding Sites and Fluorophore on Fluorescence Changes

ABSTRACT

A novel colorimetric and fluorescence anion sensor based on 8-nitroquinolyl-2-aldehyde phenyl-thiosemicarbazone (1) was designed and synthesized according to the approach that the binding sites were covalently linked to the signaling units. In DMSO, sensor 1 exhibited a naked-eye color change from colorless to yellow upon complexation with acetate. The association constant of 1 for acetate ion was determined to be 1.20 × 10³ M^?1 by nonlinear fitting analyses of the titration curves. The strong interactions of compound 1 with acetate ion could be rationalized on basis of not only the guest basicity but also shape complementarity between 1 and acetate. In addition, the fluorescence emission of 1 was effectively quenched upon addition of acetate ions owing to the fact that the photoinduced electron transfer (PET) was enhanced.     

Design and Synthesis of Highly Photostable Yellow–Green Emitting 1,8-Naphthalimides as Fluorescent Sensors for Metal Cations and Protons

Two highly photostable yellow–green emitting 1,8-naphthalimides 5 and 6, containing both N-linked hindered amine moiety and a secondary or tertiary cation receptor, were synthesized for the first time. Novel compounds were configured as “fluorophore–spacer–receptor” systems based on photoinduced electron transfer. Photophysical characteristics of the dyes were investigated in DMF and water/DMF (4:1, v/v) solution. The ability of the new compounds to detect cations was evaluated by the changes in their fluorescence intensity in the presence of metal ions (Cu²⁺, Pb²⁺, Zn²⁺, Ni²⁺, Co²⁺) and protons. The presence of metal ions and protons was found to disallow a photoinduced electron transfer leading to an enhancement in the dye fluorescence intensity. Compound 5, containing secondary amine receptor, displayed a good sensor activity towards metal ions and protons. However the sensor activity of dye 6, containing a tertiary amine receptor and a shorter hydrocarbon spacer, was substantially higher. The results obtained indicate the potential of the novel compounds as highly photostable and efficient “off–on” pH switchers and fluorescent detectors for metal ions with pronounced selectivity towards Cu²⁺ ions.     

Synthesis,Characterization and Applications of Schiff Base Chemosensor for Determination of Cr(III) Ions

The development of a highly sensitive, selective, and efficient sensor for the determination and detection of Cr(III) ions remains a great challenge. Recently, some fluorescent chemosensors have been developed for the recognition of Cr(III) ions. But, the main drawbacks of the reported fluorescent chemosensors are the lack of selectivity and interference of anions and other trivalent cations. Herein, we designed and synthesized a novel thiazole-based fluorescent and colorimetric Schiff base chemosensor SB2 for the detection of Cr(III) ion by chemodosimetric approach. Using different analytical techniques including UV–vis, ¹³C-NMR, ¹H-NMR, and FT-IR analysis the chemosensor SB2 was structurally characterized. The fully characterized chemosensor SB2 was used for the spectrofluorimetric and colorimetric detection of Cr(III) ions. Interestingly, chemosensor SB2 upon interaction with various metal cations including Ni²⁺, Na⁺, Cd²⁺, Ag⁺, Mn²⁺, K⁺, Zn²⁺, Cu²⁺, Hg²⁺, Co²⁺, Pb²⁺, Mg²⁺, Sn²⁺, Al³⁺ and Cr³⁺ displays highly selective and sensitive fluorescent (turn-on) and colorimetric (yellow to colorless) response toward Cr(III) ions. The fluorescence and UV–vis techniques confirmed the selective hydrolysis of azomethine group (-C?=?N-) of Schiff base chemosensor SB2 by Cr(III) ions. As a result, the fluorescence enhancement was observed that is corresponding to 2-hydroxy-1-nepthaldehyde (fluorophore). The chemosensor SB2 exhibits high interference performance towards Cr(III) ions over other metal cations in a wide pH range. Mover, the quite low detection limit was calculated to be 0.027 µg ml-1 (0.5 µM) (3σ/slop), lower than the maximum tolerable limits of Cr(III ions (10 µM) in drinking water permitted by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). These results show that chemosensor SB2 has great potential to detect selectively Cr(III) ions in the agricultural, environmental and biological analysis system.

Graphical Abstract

     

A Multifunctional Fluorescence Probe for the Detection of Cations in Aqueous Solution: the Versatility of Probes Based on Peptides

We synthesized a tetra-functional fluorescence probe based on dansyl and peptide motif, dansyl-Gly-Trp (DGT, 1), that efficiently bound several metal ions and showed distinguishing optical properties. The probe 1 could respond to Hg²⁺ with enhanced and blue-shifted fluorescence emission but to Cu²⁺ with obvious fluorescence quenching. In addition, 1 was sensitive to pH ranging from 2.0 to 5.0 and precipitated in the presence of Pb²⁺ at neutral conditions. The combination of these intrinsic properties with the selective responses to different chemical inputs allows this system to be implemented as an ionic switch. Furthermore, 1 could penetrate the cell membrane and accumulated well in intracellular region. The underlying mechanisms of the probe to different kind of metal ion were explored successfully by using either ¹H NMR, NOESY, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) or FT-IR spectra. In addition, to investigate the binding model of 1/Hg²⁺ and 1/Cu²⁺, simulations were also performed by using density functional theory (DFT) and reasonable binding configurations were achieved for these two complexes.     

Effect of substitution of Co ions on the structural and electrical properties of nanosized magnesium aluminate

Cobalt substituted nanosized magnesium aluminates having a nominal composition MgAl_2−xCo_xO₄ where x = 0.0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 were synthesized by the chemical co-precipitation method. Aluminium (Al³⁺) ions were completely and successfully substituted by Co²⁺ ions, which yielded an electron rich terminal compound MgCo₂O₄. All the samples were characterized by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetry and differential thermal analysis (TG/DTA) and dc electrical resistivity measurements. The investigated samples were found to be spinel single phase cubic close packed crystalline materials as demonstrated by XRD data. Using the Debye Scherer formula, the calculated crystallite size was found Co²⁺ concentration dependent and varied between 7 and 19 nm. The lattice constant, X-ray density and bulk density were found to increase while percentage porosity decreases on increasing the Co²⁺ concentration. The dc electrical resistivity was found to decrease as a function of temperature as expected for a typical semiconductor. The doped Co²⁺ ions are believed to form small polarons and hopping of these small polarons between the adjacent sites seems to be partially responsible for conduction in the system. The activation energy of hopping of small polarons was also calculated.     

A Benzothiazole-Based Fluorescence Turn-on Sensor for Copper(II)

A new benzothiazole-based chemosensor BTN (1-((Z)-(((E)-3-methylbenzo[d]thiazol-2(3H)-ylidene)hydrazono)methyl)naphthalen-2-ol) was synthesized for the detection of Cu²⁺. BTN could detect Cu²⁺ with “off-on” fluorescent response from colorless to yellow irrespective of presence of other cations. Limit of detection for Cu²⁺ was determined to be 3.3 μM. Binding ratio of BTN and Cu²⁺ turned out to be a 1:1 with the analysis of Job plot and ESI-MS. Sensing feature of Cu²⁺ by BTN was explained with theoretical calculations, which might be owing to internal charge transfer and chelation-enhanced fluorescence processes.

     

A New Piperidine Derivatized-Schiff Base Based “Turn-on” Cu<Superscript>2+</Superscript>Chemo-Sensor

In this study, we report the synthesis of new Schiff base E-1-(((1-benzylpiperidin-4-yl)imino)methyl)naphthalenee-2-ol (L) and evaluation of its fluorescence response toward Cu²⁺ ion. Preliminary, solvent effect, metal selectivity and metal ligand ratio were analyzed through UV-Visible study. Fluorescence response toward Cu²⁺ was carried to assess the fluorescent property of synthesized Schiff base. The probe exhibited a higher fluorescence enhancement in the presence of Cu²⁺ over other metal ions (Ni²⁺, Zn²⁺, Hg²⁺, Co²⁺, Cd²⁺, Al³⁺, Fe²⁺, and Pb²⁺). The binding stoichiometry between L and Cu²⁺ has been investigated using Job’s plot and Benesi-Hildebrand equation and it was found that ligand L can form 1:1 L-Cu²⁺ complex with binding constant (K _a) of 4?×?10⁴ LM^?1.